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Mai ElMallah

Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Pediatrics, Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine
2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


Our laboratory focuses on the control of breathing and pulmonary mechanics in murine models of several genetic diseases. These genetic diseases include Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Pompe Disease, ALS, and Spino-cerebellar ataxia Type 7. We also investigate the ability of gene therapy and neuromodulation to treat respiratory insufficiency in neuromuscular diseases. As a clinician-scientist, my goal is to bring therapy from the bench to the bedside and enhance our research at the bench through observations at the bedside.


Our clinical research focus is on the impact of novel therapies on respiratory function in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Pompe Disease. We study the impact of recent therapies on breathing in these disorders and the impact of social determinants of health on clinical outcome measures.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Professor of Pediatrics · 2022 - Present Pediatrics, Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Pediatrics
Chief, Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine · 2021 - Present Pediatrics, Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Pediatrics
Associate Professor in Neurobiology · 2020 - Present Neurobiology, Basic Science Departments
Associate Professor in Cell Biology · 2020 - Present Cell Biology, Basic Science Departments

In the News


Published August 8, 2022
Young Minds Study the Brain at Duke

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Recent Publications


Respiratory pathology in the mdx/utrn-/- mouse: A murine model for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

Conference PLoS ONE · February 1, 2025 Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked devastating disease caused by a lack of dystrophin which results in progressive muscle weakness. As muscle weakness progresses, respiratory insufficiency and hypoventilation result in significant morbidity a ... Full text Cite

Progressive central cardiorespiratory rate downregulation and intensifying epilepsy lead to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy in mouse model of the most common human ATP1A3 mutation.

Journal Article Epilepsia · January 11, 2025 OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to test the following hypotheses in the Atp1a3Mashl/+ mouse (which carries the most common human ATP1A3 (the major subunit of the neuronal Na+/K+-adenosine triphosphatase [ATPase]) mutation, D801N): sudden unexpected de ... Full text Link to item Cite

Respiratory pathology in the mdx/utrn -/- mouse: A murine model for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

Journal Article PLoS One · 2025 Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked devastating disease caused by a lack of dystrophin which results in progressive muscle weakness. As muscle weakness progresses, respiratory insufficiency and hypoventilation result in significant morbidity a ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Registry Study to Observe Long-term Safety of Vamorolone (AGAMREE®) in Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Clinical TrialPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. · 2024 - 2029

Alveolar injury and repair in Pompe Disease

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2028

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Education, Training & Certifications


Queens University Belfast (United Kingdom) · 2001 M.B.B.S.